I took that as a compliment. Because Alexis was a badass. Strong, independent, a successful businesswoman.
“She found Jackson and me an amazing home on fairly short notice. I’m sure she’ll help you find what you’re looking for too.”
What if I wasn’t sure what I was looking for? Or what if I found it, but it came at too high a price?
Like Jasper?
I shook my head, wondering where that had come from. Though, honestly, could I really say I was all that surprised? Lately, he was unavoidable.
I shut down that line of thought and tried to focus on the conversation at hand. “I’ll touch base with her. Thanks.”
“It’s strange to be back in this city after such a long time away,” Sloan said. “Visiting LA isn’t the same as living here. It’s definitely an adjustment.”
“I’m sure it’ll get easier,” I said, wondering when I’d start to believe it.
Our meals arrived. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the plate was before me. It had been a busy morning packed with meetings and obligations, and I’d barely stopped to breathe.
After I’d inhaled a good portion of my meal, I glanced up to find Sloan watching me curiously.
“Sorry.” I used my napkin to wipe my mouth. “I guess I was hungry.” I laughed.
“It’s okay, but we’re not in any rush. I know we work in a fast-paced environment, but we all need to slow down sometimes.” When I gave her a pointed look, she added, “I know. I know. I need to be better about taking my own advice.”
I knew she was right, but I also knew—like Sloan—that itwas easier said than done. I was a single mom. It was all on me. I often ate my food on the run, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d actually sat down for a meal at a nice restaurant with only adults for company for something that wasn’t related to work.
“Actually, that’s a big reason why I asked you to join me for lunch today. I know I’ve been putting off making decisions about my maternity leave, but I think I’ve been in denial.”
I could understand that. I’d had similar feelings after my dad’s diagnosis. Denial. Anger. Disbelief. Heartbreak. I was still grappling with it.
“With my due date approaching, we need to put some things in place,” she said.
Finally.
I let out a small exhale of relief. Living in limbo while waiting for Sloan to tell me how she wanted to handle her maternity leave had been weighing on me. At least now, hopefully, we’d be able to make a plan and move forward for the four months that she’d be gone.
I folded my napkin in my lap. I’d anticipated this, and I’d wondered how she’d want to approach it. “Let me know how I can help.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you more than you know.”
I tucked my hair behind my ear, wishing the curls would stay put. “I know you do.” But it was always nice to hear it.
“I know you just moved here and you have a lot on your plate, but the annual Huxley Family Foundation gala is coming up. Since I’m not allowed to travel, I was hoping you’d go in my place. You’d travel on the private jet with my family, and you’d get a clothing allowance.”
“How long would I be gone?” I asked, thinking about Kai and how he often struggled when I traveled for work.
Fortunately, it wasn’t often that I had to go on overnighttrips. But to say the last one hadn’t gone well would be an understatement.
“Leave Friday. Back Sunday.”
Two nights. Okay.
A quick review of my calendar confirmed that Craig was supposed to visit around that time. Maybe he could stay with Kai while I went to New York. If not, well, I’d cross that bridge when I got there.
“That shouldn’t be an issue,” I said, trying to infuse my voice with a confidence I didn’t feel.
“Great.” Sloan flashed me a relieved smile. “Thank you so much, Halle. It really puts my mind at ease, knowing you’ll be there.”
“Of course,” I said, grateful I could help. “Apart from serving as your representative, is there anything else I can do?”
